Ancient History/Classical Civilisation, Latin & Greek

Aims and philosophy

This has helped keep the department lively and forward-thinking. Our chief aim for the future is to maintain the traditional rigour of our subjects, while offering a stimulating and accessible approach; we hope, as well as producing excellent GCSE and A-level results, to stimulate in all our students a life-long interest in the subject and curiosity about the ancient past and the world we live in.

Curriculum by year-group

Removes and the Fifth Form can choose from three Classical GCSEs: Latin, Greek and Classical Civilisation.

GCSE Latin involves the study of great works of Roman literature in the original language, usually Virgil's Aeneid, the epic story of Rome's foundation, and a prose work. Language skills are developed through a defined vocabulary list and tested in the exam by translation from Latin to English. Weaker linguists also study aspects of Roman life in detail, for example Roman entertainment, Roman political and social life and the army and empire of ancient Rome. There is no coursework involved.

GCSE Greek is a demanding subject which requires good linguistic skills. The course is traditional and involves unseen translation from Greek into English. Two set texts are studied in the GCSE year, one of which is taken from Homer's great epic poems, the Iliad or the Odyssey. These are read in the original language. The study of ancient literature and culture is an important part of the course.

GCSE Classical Civilisation involves the study of ancient literature in translation and aspects of Greek and Roman history and life. Students study five topics from the ancient world. One of these is Homer's great epic poem, the Odyssey. Other topics might include Greek art and architecture, Roman entertainment, Latin epic poetry or the Greek theatre and Olympic Games. One topic is completed as coursework.

In the Sixth Form three subjects are available at AS and A-level: Latin, Greek and Ancient History.

Latin and Classical Greek are rigorous A-levels involving the study of some of the great works of Western literature in the original language.

In Ancient History, two great periods of Classical history are studied through ancient sources in translation: art and archaeology, a set text, a short historical period, and an overview of one theme of Greek or Roman History. Greek and Roman history are studied in successive years. A study tour to Rome is organised each year for boys studying the City of Rome module.

Outside the classroom

As well as regular classroom teaching, Classical learning goes on all year through seminars and lectures, visits to museums, galleries, plays and sites of interest, such as the Shell expedition to Hadrian's Wall. The annual Reading Weekend for Classical sixth formers is perhaps the best opportunity for older pupils to develop their reading and experience beyond the syllabus; a series of seminars chaired by both beaks and boys are united by a central theme like 'Liberty', 'Myth' or 'Power' and tend to be wide-ranging - from Catullus to the Beat Poets and from the political satire of Aristophanes to that of Gillray or Private Eye.

The Annual Homer Reading was described as 'extraordinary' in the 2000 Inspection Report and this is one of the highlights of the year. All Greekers, old and new, prepare and meet to read a book of Homer in the Old Speech Room Gallery. Recent books have included Odyssey IX and Iliad XVI. The reading is performed in both English and Greek.

At least one Classical trip takes place each year and boys are strongly encouraged to go on these. Sometimes it is possible to provide help with the cost through generous individual sponsorship. Recent trips have involved following in the steps of the Marathon runner in Greece, exploring the excavations of Sir Arthur Evans (OH) in Crete, studying Herodotus in Egypt and Hannibal in Tunisia.

There is a regular round of visits to plays and lectures in London and we frequently host visiting speakers. Masters often lecture on areas of the subject that interest them and boys are encouraged to give and attend seminars in the well-stocked Grant Library.